LEICESTER City Council is inviting people to stay warm and enjoy the company of others in its libraries this winter.
As temperatures fall and the cost of living crisis continues, all 16 of Leicester’s libraries will once again be acting as ‘warm spaces’, where people are welcome to spend time in the warm without having to put their heating on at home.
As well as offering warmth, a comfortable space to relax and a friendly welcome, the venues will also be running a programme of free activities from Wednesday (1 November).
Run by Leicester Adult Education, the programme will include a range of craft activities, including the chance to create a hand-sewn festive gonk, a session to turn unwanted textiles into place mats, and an opportunity to craft handmade greetings cards.
There will also be practical skills on offer, with the BRITE Centre running courses that aim to help people cook on a budget, Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre encouraging people to improve their maths and budgeting skills, and many libraries running ‘Let’s Get Digital’ sessions that will help people get online confidently and safely.
Assistant city mayor for education, libraries and community centres, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “The dark evenings and cold winter months can be challenging for everyone, especially those who feel lonely and isolated or who can’t afford to heat their homes.
“We don’t want anyone to feel cold or alone during these difficult times and are determined to do what we can to help.
“Through our network of libraries in the heart of our neighbourhoods, we’ll offer a warm welcome to everyone, so that people can not only get warm, take part in free activities and make use of the libraries’ vast range of free resources, but they can also enjoy the company of others and make new friends over a hot drink.”
Details of the events taking place in Leicester’s libraries from Wednesday (1 November) as part of the Warm Welcome initiative can be found here
Free WiFi, the free use of computers, free weekly Toddler Time sessions and helpful Homework Clubs for schoolchildren are also part of the libraries’ warm welcome.
Opening times and contact details for Leicester’s libraries are available here
The Warm Welcome campaign is a national initiative that aims to turn poverty and isolation into warmth and welcome through the power of local spaces, made by and for the community. More information about the campaign, and details of other venues in Leicester offering a warm welcome this winter, is available at warmwelcome.uk